Guillain-Barre syndrome: review of the literature, case presentation, and physiatric management

Total care of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome, particularly the physiatric management during the acute, recovery, and chronic stages of the disease, is very important. The methods of physiatric treatment stress body positioning, bed rest, respiratory care, limited or no activity during the acute stage, gradual increase in activity, and proportionally less bed rest during the recovery phase. Described are 30 consecutive patients admitted to a department of physical medicine and rehabilitation for care. With close and proper management, more than 60% of the patients achieved satisfactory and almost complete recovery, and over 20% had fair recovery. Major problems were respiratory deficit, easy fatigability, and the possibility of relapse. Care should be tailored for each individual and assessed from day to day.